If you’re exploring USDA organic certification for your handling operation, the National Organic Program (NOP) has just released a new microlearning module designed specifically to help newcomers get up to speed.
Hosted on the Organic Integrity Learning Center, these concise training courses walk users through the essentials of becoming a certified organic handler. Whether you’re a processor, co-packer, distributor, wholesaler, importer, broker, or storage provider, these guides were built with your operation in mind.
The microlearning was developed in collaboration with the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and the Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS), offering credible, easy-to-digest guidance prepared for the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service.
Organic handlers are critical to preserving the trust and transparency behind the USDA organic seal. From the moment a product leaves the farm to when it lands on a retail shelf, every step in the supply chain must maintain strict compliance with organic standards.
Becoming certified is more than just a formality—it’s a license to operate within the organic ecosystem with integrity.
The microlearning includes three downloadable resources to guide users through the certification journey:
- Plain-language overview of USDA organic regulations
- Glossary of common terms used in certification and compliance
- Step-by-step guide to the organic certification process for handlers
These materials are great tools for both individuals new to organics and experienced teams looking to onboard new staff.
You can find A Newcomer’s Guide to Certification for Handlers within the NOP-997: National Organic Program Microlearning course at the Organic Integrity Learning Center.
Registration is free and available to anyone working in or alongside the organic supply chain.
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